Season 4, Episode 62 - Matt Speck

Did you ever wonder how those cleats worn by many NFL and MLB players get to look so snazzy?

Matt Speck, our guest in this episode, knows all about the process ... he does the cleat customizations for many players across the two leagues. You're able to see plenty of his handiwork at his website, Speckcustoms.com.

A muralist, Matt happened upon the craft of customizing footwear quite by accident. In the process of working on the "Solidarity for Change" mural on Pittsburgh's Penn Avenue, he was approached by then-Pittsburgh Steeler Derwin Gray and asked if he did cleat work. Matt said yes (though he didn't) and suddenly he had to deliver.

Matt's is a fascinating story about a lifelong Pittsburgh sports fan who, following a lengthy chat with his grandfather, left a position out of college to pursue his love of art and is now creating unique footwear for players representing half of the NFL teams and a third of MLB, including one his athletic idols, Andrew McCutchen. During our discussion we learn about how he self-taught himself to do the work as well as several of the players he's customized footwear for, including fellow Pitt Panther graduate, Damar Hamlin of the Buffalo Bills.

You're able to follow Matt's artistic adventures on Instagram @the_mattspeck24 and X/Twitter @the_mattspeck24.

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